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There is something about avocado that instantly feels indulgent, especially when it is filled instead of sliced. This Caprese Stuffed Avocado leans into that energy with creamy avocado halves acting as edible bowls for juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella and herby pesto, finished with a glossy balsamic drizzle that pulls everything together.
It is fresh, light, and satisfying without ever feeling like a compromise. Whether you serve it as a quick lunch, a no-cook dinner, or a crowd-pleasing starter, this caprese avocado proves that simple ingredients can still feel a little bit special.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- Avocado as the base, not a garnish: Using avocado halves instead of slices makes this feel more filling and intentional, not just a salad tossed together.
- Pesto instead of plain basil: The pesto adds garlic, oil, and herb flavour in one go, giving more depth than chopped basil alone.
- No cooking required: Everything comes together fresh, which keeps the tomatoes juicy and the avocado perfectly creamy.
- Balanced richness: Creamy avocado, soft mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze hit all the right notes without feeling heavy.
What Goes Into Caprese Stuffed Avocado
This Caprese Stuffed Avocado is fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor. A handful of simple ingredients come together to create a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Avocados: Ripe and creamy, they create the perfect base for this stuffed avocado recipe.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring freshness and a pop of color to every bite.
- Mozzarella Balls: Soft baby bocconcini add that classic caprese richness and creaminess.
- Basil Pesto: Fragrant and herb-packed, it ties the caprese avocado filling together with garlicky, savory flavor.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
Add Ins and Substitutions You Can Play With
If you want to switch things up, these options work beautifully without changing the soul of the dish.
- Grilled Chicken: Adds protein and turns this into a more filling lunch or dinner.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices bring a salty contrast that pairs well with the creamy avocado.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle on top for a little crunch and nutty flavour.
- Lemon Zest: A small amount brightens everything and keeps the avocado tasting fresh.
How To Make Caprese Stuffed Avocado
- Prep the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil pesto, minced garlic, and olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss gently until coated and let stand 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the avocado halves on a plate and spoon the caprese mixture into each cavity. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with chopped basil, add fresh basil leaves if using, and serve right away.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus adds a salty, savory crunch that balances the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes in the Caprese filling. It’s simple yet feels elegant on the plate.
Pair it with One Pot Orzo Primavera for a light but hearty side, then finish with an Easy Mango Blueberry Crumble (Crisp). The fruity sweetness rounds out the fresh flavors for a perfectly satisfying meal.
Pro Tips You Will Actually Use
- Choose avocados that give slightly when pressed but are not soft, which helps them hold their shape once filled.
- Season the tomato mixture lightly first, then adjust after stuffing since the avocado adds natural richness.
- Add the balsamic glaze just before serving so it stays glossy and does not sink into the avocado.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, especially if using very ripe avocados.
Recipe FAQ’s
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Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz (120g) baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto homemade or store bought)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to season
- 2 ripe avocados peeled, seeded and halved
- Fresh basil leaves to serve (optional)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze reduction to drizzle
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pesto, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to evenly combine all of the flavours.
- Arrange prepared avocado halves onto a plate with fresh basil leaves.
- Spoon the Caprese filling into each avocado halve and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Top with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made tonight for dinner. Loved this salad so much. Served with steamed shrimp and tandoori bread with black bean hummus. Delicious. I just discovered your sight and can’t wait to try more. Thank you!!
OMG this was Fabulous!!! I had to use store-bought glaze because I’m not good with reduction. Thanks for sharing this!
No problem at all! I am so glad that you found what is best and easiest! Thank you so much for sharing! XO
Making a balsamic glaze is easy. Just take balsamic vinegar and put it in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce it! The final result should cling to a spoon like syrup. A word of warning. I did this with a large amount of vinegar which took a LONG time. But I wanted it to last for awhile! It stunk up the house but good! So don’t do more then a cup, or something like that, at a time. ?
We made this tonight over here in Europe. It was a big hit for both my wife and I. Another avocado is sitting and awaiting round 2 tomorrow.
Great, simple recipe.
Thanks
Bob
That is great to hear! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for following along with me! Enjoy your other avocado! XO
Where is the recipe? Am I missing something? There’s only a photo and a brief paragraph but no actual recipe.
Thank you for letting me know! I am so sorry that the recipe went missing! My site had a malfunction for a period of time today and we are just getting things up and running. I apologize for the problem and how long it took. Thank you for your patience and following along with me! If you have any other questions or concerns please email me and I would love to help in any way that I can. XOXO Here is the recipe: https://cafedelites.com/caprese-stuffed-avocado/.
How do you make homemade balsamic glaze?
Balsamic Glaze: (Optional To Serve)
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar , packed
How do u make the balsamic glaze reduction?
The balsamic glaze can either be homemade or store bought. Hope that helps. It is a nice and light meal for the summer. Thanks so much for choosing one of my recipes.
What is the sauce made of?
You can either make a balsamic glaze or use a store bought glaze. Hope that helps!!
So I’ve had a lot of caprese salads before and they’re great but this is on a whole nother level. I loved this so much, I can’t wait to make it again. I served the stuffed avocados on a bed of arugula and cheese tortellini. My husband was not looking forward to it, he hates salad and loves meat and potatoes, but he loved it. I love quick dinners like this and will make this again and again. Thanks so much for the recipe!
That is so great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing and following along with me!
I continue to share your website with my friends because it is awesome!!!!!!
Every recipe I have tried tastes great! Thanks for your passion. It has reenergized my cooking!